She slipped her fingers under the diamond cross. Cairns watched the picture made by the rosy manicured finger nails, the sparkling stones, the white skin.
'A pity it doesn't match my rings,' she remarked.
Cairns looked at her hand.
'Oh, no more it does. I thought you had a half hoop. Never mind, dear. Give me that sapphire ring.'
'What do you want it for?' asked Victoria with a conscious smile.
'That's my business.'
She slipped it off. He took it, pressing her fingers.
'I think you ought to have a half hoop,' he said conclusively.
Victoria leant back in her chair. Her smile was triumphant. Truly, men are hard masters but docile slaves.
'You'll spoil me, Tom,' she said weakly. 'I don't want you to think that I'm fishing for things. I'm quite happy, you know. I'd rather you didn't give me another ring.'